Method of playing a card game

ABSTRACT

A method for playing a card game wherein the player having the highest numeric card count is declared the winner. In order to reach this determination the player must first pass through four fixed wagering levels. The first level is the “ante level.” The player receives 3 cards face down. After viewing the cards, the player may elect to continue play, or elect to fold his hand. The second wagering level is the “bet  1  level.” At this point the players do not receive any cards, instead the dealer turns a card face up. Any card that matches the face up card now has a numeric value of zero. The numeric value of the cards does not change if the face up card is a Joker. The player may elect to continue play, or elect to fold his hand. The third wagering level is the “bet  2  level.” The player receives 2 more cards face down. After viewing the cards, the player may elect to continue play, or elect to fold his hand. The fourth wagering level is the “bet  3  level.” The player holding the highest numeric card count is declared the winner and is awarded the bets from the pot. The game is ended and a new game initiated.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/622,284, filed Oct. 26, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to such playing card games as are suitable for use in casinos. More specifically, this invention relates to such card games as combine a customized deck of playing cards, a variation that changes the numeric value of the playing cards, and provides multiple wagering levels wherein predetermined fixed bet amount are used.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Card games are considered by many to be educational, stimulating, and exciting social activities. Many of the more popular card games are designed to mentally involve as well as test the strategic abilities of each individual player. These same characteristics are often further enhanced when the card game is combined with an opportunity for placing wagers.

A successful casino card game must hold the interest of the players in both a monetary and non-monetary manner. In addition to enjoying the play of the game, the players must also entertain the perception that each of them has a possibility of winning the wager. There must be something inherent in the game or its manner of play that involves a player, without regard to financial gain and/or despite the occurrence of wagers lost.

For some games or players, this inherent characteristic might be the thrill generated by the chance that “luck” will visit the player. For other games, the skill level of the player is perceived to significantly effect the outcome of game play. For some of the more popular games, the needs of both types of players are met—those having no interest of the finer details of play, as well as persons desiring to maximize their ability to control play of the game through mastery of playing skills and strategy.

There are two general types of wagering playing card games, the “banking” type and the “poker” type. Banking-type wagering games permit the players to essentially compete against the “house” or casino, whether present in the form of a dealer or generically as a “bank” that does not specifically participate in the particular game. By playing against an impersonal “house,” any losses are paid out of the “corporate” or common fund, and not the result of a fellow player's loss. In addition, most players are aware that the house “shapes” the winning odds to assure a statistical advantage.

“Banking”-type wagering games are typically played against a dealer or a “bank” player, although a few such games provide no “dealer hand” to play against, with the object being to reach a certain winning combination. Otherwise, the goal for most “banking” wagering games is to beat the dealer's or “bank” player's hand. For example, in blackjack each playing card is assigned a predetermined point value and the object for each player is to be closer to 21 points (but not to exceed that value) than is the dealer's hand.

“Banking”-type wagering games have generally made use of a wider variety of game strategy than have the field of “poker”-type wagering games. Once again, using the game of blackjack as an example, as a “banking”-type wagering game, it generally requires very little skill on the part of the player. For the most part, wagering results are determined by the luck of the draw and not by a player's skill. In contrast, poker requires considerable card skill in order to obtain better wagering results. Poker-type playing card games tend to emphasize a competitive aspect that appeals to card players that are more confident of their skill level and less reliant on “luck.” Also, during poker-style games the manner of wagering results in the transfer of monies among the players within that playing group. In poker two or more players compete against one another.

Accordingly, it is important that there be aspects of a poker-type game that includes the step of players placing fixed wagers or bets on the point count or value of the cards dealt by a dealer thus allowing novice players to compete in a game along with players that are more knowledgeable in poker-style games. Such a playing card game, while including possible bets for players that permit winning wagers based upon the occurrence of a “twist” playing card value rather than based only upon the relative numerical values of the card hands, The game should also permit a novice player to easily determine whether a winning wager has been placed, and not require complex mathematical computations to calculate playing card point values.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a casino poker-type playing card game of relative simplicity, requiring players to make up to four (4) fixed wagers. Each level of wagering affords the player the opportunity to continue play or fold. Continuance of play will depend on the players “expectation” of increasing the total numeric count of the playing cards he is holding. It is a further object of the present invention to simplify the mechanics of selecting such outcomes by utilizing a separate random selector, such as one or more dice, or a single card to determine the winning outcome from among multiple playing card results.

Players selecting to proceed to the second level of play will encounter changes in their total numeric card count outcome as a result of a selection process following the close of the second level of wagering. This “twist of fortune” will provide players fun and excitment by having reversals to their previously anticipated outcome. In addition, by providing separate, random selector, the opportunities are reduced for either a player or dealer to cause or predict a specific outcome.

Some further objects and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the ensuing description and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a playing surface arranged in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a typical playing area layout for the card game system described by the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used in this specification, the term “casino card game” refers to a card game in which the casino acts as the “dealer” of the game, collecting all wagers and placing them in a “pot circle” 40. After the winning outcome is determined the “dealer” distributes the wagers in the “pot circle” 40 to the winning player(s). The casino is the “dealer” of the game and individual players play against one another and not against the casino. Additionally, although the play of the game will be illustrated by making reference to a specific game layout, it should be understood and appreciated that the playing card casino game system of the present invention can be played with a different layout, or without the use of a layout, and still be within the scope of the present invention.

Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. In FIG. 1 there is shown a gaming table layout arranged in accordance with the principle of the present invention, and designated generally by reference numeral 10. In a preferred embodiment, the gaming table layout 10 is generally semicircular in shape, and is preferably sized to have approximately the same dimensions as a conventional casino gaming table layout of the type normally used to play blackjack.

A dealer position 12 is centrally located along a linear, rear edge of the gaming table layout 10. A plurality of wagering areas 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 are evenly spaced apart along a semicircular, curved player periphery 28 so located, the plurality of wagering areas 14-26 are arranged opposite the dealer position 12, permitting the dealer to face each of the players of the game, and for each of the players in turn to face the dealer. An area is provided immediately adjacent the dealer position 12 for placement of a chip tray 32. Casino games are typically played using chips rather than actual currency, and the chip tray 32 is available for use by a dealer to provide playing chips to the players in exchange for actual currency.

Each of the wagering areas 14-26 defines an area for placement of wagers by each player of the playing card game in accordance with the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment is a “pot circle” 40 in the central portion of the gaming table layout 10. The “pot circle” 40 provides an area in which the dealer places all the wagers of the players during the course of the game.

In accordance with the preferred rules of the game, selection of the number used to nullify the card values of the playing cards is dependent upon (a.) the use of a single die 42 (not shown) having indicia on its sides that correspond to the numerical values of the playing cards. The single die 42 preferably located within a pai gow dice cup 42; (b.) the use of one of the playing cards that is placed in the Dragon box 42. The need for the alternate use of a number identifier is based upon jurisdictional approval.

In accordance with the rules for the preferred playing card game of the present invention, a special deck of playing cards is required. A single 51-card deck of playing cards is preferably used, and consists of sixteen aces, four of each suit, (spades, clubs, hearts, and diamonds); sixteen two's, again, four from each suit; sixteen three's, four from each suit, and three “dragon/jokers.” Alternatively, a presently preferred variation would eliminate the more conventional “joker card” with the use of a “dragon” image.

In a preferred embodiment, the gaming table layout 10 is formed of a felt or like material, and the various defined areas are placed on the playing surface by a silk screen process. Additionally, the gaming table layout 10 shown in FIG. 1 depicts a layout for seven players.

FIG. 2 provides some additional details regarding the wagering areas. Each of the plurality of wagering areas 14-26 are substantially identical to that depicted in FIG. 2. and consist of a betting field 62. A plurality of individual betting spaces within each of the betting fields define four individual betting spaces.

As will be more fully explained hereinafter, the wagering on these betting spaces is based on players anticipated successful outcome of his position. The sequence of wagering on these betting space is 76; 78; 82; and 84.

To describe the operation of the invention, set forth in the following are the rules of play:

Unlike blackjack, the players are not playing against the dealer, they are simply attempting to achieve a five card numeric count that is higher than that of the other players. The object of the game is for a player to successfully hold five cards whose total numeric value is higher than that of any of the other players at the end of the round . . . but, in order to arrive at this winning outcome, the player(s) must go through four wagering stages. The game can accommodate from two to seven players. Two or more players are needed in order to begin play. Numeric card values: Ace=1; Two=2; Three=3; and the Joker/Dragon=2.

At commencement, the dealer proceeds to shuffle the cards; cuts the cards; and burns three cards.

WAGER 1

Play begins with each player placing a wager, that is equal to the table minimum, in the ANTE box betting space 76 provided for this purpose on the table layout. The dealer begins dealing three cards (face down) to each player.

WAGER 2

After reviewing the cards the player has the opportunity to continue play or fold his cards. If the player elects to continue play he must place a second wager that is equal to the table minimum, in the BET 1 box betting apace 78.

There are no cards dealt at this level, instead the dealer announces to the players “ENTER THE DRAGON” and proceeds to rotate the Dragon cup 42 upside down and then upright again. (A house option is provided at this point as to whether to allow a player to also shake the Dragon cup). The dealer then lifts the lid of the Dragon cup exposing a die. Then depending on the numerical value of the die, all the cards with that value are nullified, meaning that they have NO NUMERICAL VALUE. (In the event that a playing card is used for this purpose the dealer will burn the next card in the deck and place the next card face up in the dragon box 42 The numeric value of the card will also serve to nullify the matching card values. There is an exception when using the playing card. If the card happens to be a joker (dragon) the nullification of the all cards will be overridden. That is to say that now the playing cards will retain their values.

WAGER 3

With this “twist” in their numerical card value count the player again has the opportunity to continue play or fold his cards. If the player elects to continue play he must place a third wager that is equal to the table minimum, in the BET 2 box betting space 82. The dealer proceeds to burn two cards and deals 2 more cards (face down) to each one of the remaining players.

WAGER 4

The player again has the opportunity to continue play or fold his cards. If the player elects to continue play he must place a fourth wager that is equal to twice the table minimum, in the BET 3 box betting space 84.

At this point the dealer collects the bets from the wagering levels of all the remaining players placing them in the “pot circle” 40. The dealer then asks the players for their card counts as they place their cards face-up. The dealer acknowledges the player responding with the highest count value. If there is no challenge from any of the players the dealer proceeds to award the uncontested player with the proceeds from the “pot circle”. If there are other players with identical count values then the proceeds are divided equally among the winning players. The round is over and the dealing procedure repeated.

The present invention is further demonstrated by the following example of play using the playing card as the nullifying indicator:

EXAMPLE

Two or more players are required in order to begin play. As shown in FIG. 2 there are 4 wagering boxes in front of each player. The wagering box areas are the ANTE box 76; the BET 1 box 78 the BET 2 BOX 82; and the BET 3 box 84.

The ANTE 76 WAGER

The dealer begins the game by advising the players to “place your ANTE's,” and proceeds to shuffle the cards. The dealer cuts the cards; and proceeds to burn three cards from the top of the deck; then deals 3 cards (face down) to each one of the players. After reviewing their cards the players may elect to continue play or fold. Generally a player will fold if he has a numerical card count of 3 or less.

The BET 1 78 WAGER

The dealer advises the players to “place your BET 1's.” If a player elects to fold he must turn his cards in to the dealer and also forfeit his bet from the ANTE box 76. The dealer places the forfeited bet in the “pot circle” 40. If a player elects to continue play he must place a bet equal to the table minimum in the BET 1 box 78. There are no cards dealt at this level. Instead the dealer will burn a card and announce to the players “ENTER THE DRAGON” and proceeds to place the next card in the deck “face up” in the Dragon Box 42. If the numerical value of the exposed Dragon Card 42 is a “1”, then ALL of the 16 ace's in the card deck are nullified and have no numerical value; if the numerical value of the exposed Dragon Card 42 is a “2”, then ALL of the 16 two's in the card deck are nullified and have no numerical value; if the numerical value of the exposed Dragon Card 42 is a “3”, then ALL of the 16 three's in the card deck are nullified and have no numerical value. There is an exception to the nullification of the matching cards! If the Dragon Card happens to be a Joker/Dragon card 42, then the nullification of the cards will be overridden. That is to say that now all the playing cards will retain their values. After reviewing their cards the players may elect to continue play or fold.

BET 2 82 WAGER

The dealer advises the players to “place your BET 2's.” If a player elects to fold he must turn his cards in to the dealer and also forfeits his bets from the ANTE box 76 and the BET 1 box 78. The dealer places these forfeited bets in the “pot circle” 40. If a player elects to continue play he must place a bet equal to the table minimum in the Bet 2 82. Dealer then proceeds to burn two more cards from the top Dealer then proceeds to burn two more cards from the top of the remaining deck. The dealer then deals 2 cards face down to each one of the remaining players. After reviewing their cards the players may elect to continue play or fold.

The BET 3 84 WAGER

The dealer advises the players to “place your BET 3's.” If a player elects to fold he must turn his cards in to the dealer and also forfeit his bets from the ANTE box 76; BET 1 box 78; and the BET 2 box 82. The dealer places the forfeited bets in the “pot circle” 40. If a player elects to continue play he must place a bet equal to 2 times the table minimum in the BET 3 box 84. At this point the dealer collects the bets from all the wagering levels of the remaining players and places them in the “pot circle” 40. The dealer then asks the players to place their cards face-up; to separate their “nullified cards” and to state their card counts. The dealer acknowledges the player responding with the highest card count value. The dealer verifies the counts of the other players and if there is no challenge from any of the players the dealer proceeds to award the uncontested player with the proceeds from the “pot circle” 40. If there are other players with identical count values then the proceeds are divided equally among the winning players. The hand is then over and the dealing procedure repeated.

Our invention has been disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment thereof, which provides an improved playing card casino game system of great novelty and utility. Various changes, modifications, and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof. It is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications. 

1. A method of playing a card game, said method comprising the steps of: providing a special 51 card deck consisting of 16 ace's, 16 two's, 16 three's and 3 jokers; providing a special China Dragon Layout (blackjack size table) having 7 player positions, or providing a special China Dragon Layout (poker size table) having 9 player positions; providing a circle location in the middle of the layout with the words “CHINA dragon;” providing a box located in the middle of the layout below the center of the dealer's tray with the words “Fury of the Dragon;” providing each player position with 4 wagering levels;
 2. In the method of playing a card game according to claim 1, wherein: at least 2 players are needed to start the game.
 3. In the method of playing a card game according to claim 1 wherein said first wagering level includes the further steps of: a player making an Ante bet to begin the hand; dealing three cards face down to said player; giving said player an option of staying in or folding.
 4. In the method of playing a card game according to claim 1 wherein said second wagering level includes the further steps of: a player placing a bet equal to the Ante bet in the Bet 1 box; the dealer not dealing any cards to the player; instead the dealer placing a card face up in the “Fury of the Dragon” box; all cards matching the face up card in the deck or in the player's hand now have a value of zero; if the up card is a Joker, all cards play at their face value; giving said player an option of staying in or folding.
 5. In the method of playing a card game according to claim 1 wherein said third wagering level includes the further steps of: a player placing a bet equal to the Ante bet in the Bet 2 box; dealing two cards face down to said player; giving said player an option of staying in or folding.
 6. In the method of playing a card game according to claim 1 wherein said fourth wagering level includes the further steps of: a player placing a bet 2 times the Ante bet in the Bet 3 box; players turn their 5 cards face up; player with the highest total card value wins the pot; players having the same high card values share the pot.
 7. In the method of playing a card game according to claim 1 wherein said “CHINA dragon” circle includes the further steps of: serving as the game logo; serving as an area for the collection of bet placement from players having folded; serving as an area for the collection of bet placement of all bets prior to the final determination of the winner by the dealer.
 8. In the method of playing a card game according to claim 1, wherein: said joker has a fixed numerical value of
 2. 